Four events for FD boys

May 16, 2014

ANKENY - The Fort Dodge boys track team qualified four events for sure to the state meet here at a Class 4A district race, including three with Cray Washington apart of them.

Washington was second in both the 100 and 200 to Drake Relays champion Rico Gifford of Dowling Catholic. The Dodger posted times of 11.31 and 22.40 in his races.

Riley Prescott turned in a throw of 49-feet to win the shot put, helping Fort Dodge place fifth overall with 79 points. Ames was the team champion.

Washington also anchored the runner-up 4x100 relay team that ran a time of 44.72. J.T. Wigley, Zach Anderson and Sam Cook ran the other three legs.

"Cray got the baton in fourth and just blew past two runners to get us in for sure," FDSH head coach John McBride said. "I think it's pretty obvious he is 100-percent now. He had a great night, as his 100 and 200 were great races, as well.

"And Riley had a strong showing in the shot put and once you get down to state, anything can happen in that event with one good throw."

McBride and the rest of the state will find out other qualifiers later today when the times are paired off from the remaining districts.

"We've got a chance at a few events getting through," he said. "Jake Porter should have a good chance in the shot put, and the 4x800 relay is right on the edge. Maybe Alex (Jackson) in the 3200."

Porter had a throw of 48-1 to place fourth, while the 4x800 ran a time of 8:31.83 for fourth, also. Jackson clocked a showing 10:15.19 for sixth in his event.

Johnny Bice was sixth in the 400 (53.86), Sam Kolacia fourth in the 800 (2:05.06), Nic Ganzeveld seventh in the 1600 (24:48.42), Thomas Thompson sixth in the 3200 (10:28.94) and Andre Flores sixth in the 400 hurdles (59.82).

Fort Dodge also finished fourth in the 4x400 (3:40.26) and sixth in the 4x200 (1:37.94) and shuttle hurdle relay (1:10.01). Prescott added an eighth in the discus (128-1).

Keegan Myers was forced to miss the district event after coming down with an illness. He entered the meet with the fastest time in the 400 and was replaced on the 4x100 by Wigley.

"I feel for Keegan because that is just a tough thing to have happen," McBride said. "But I was very impressed by J.T. stepping in and running the first leg of the 4x1."

State track begins next Thursday in Des Moines at Drake Stadium and continues through Saturday.